Kapitel 121: Chapter 121: Captain America Awakens
Hearing Clark's statement, Hank Pym's face already bore an understanding smile.
However, Bai was still puzzled, wondering how relying on a single actor could turn the tide.
After all, Yena had never lacked award-winning actors and actresses. Compared to that, Nirvana's cast seemed like a weak point, right?
But trusting Clark, she didn't ask further, choosing to believe unconditionally.
In fact, when Clark chose the script, he had already considered the actor's factor, even tailoring the script for that particular actor.
After all, to portray Superman, the perfect embodiment of American spirit, it was necessary to find someone who could equally represent that spirit to achieve the best effect.
Luckily, Clark had just the ace up his sleeve! ...
In the U.S., outside of Chinatown, the atmosphere of the New Year was almost non-existent.
After enjoying the New Year's Eve dinner, Clark and the others went back to their busy lives.
Three days later, within a room in the Pym Laboratories building.
Steve Rogers slowly awakened.
Looking around at the unfamiliar and novel surroundings, his face was a picture of confusion.
Suddenly sitting up, his mind was filled with existential questions.
"You're awake."
Following the voice, Yilong, dressed in casual clothes, appeared in Captain America's line of sight.
After scrutinizing Yilong for a moment and confirming he didn't recognize this man, Captain America became alert, "Who are you, and where is this?"
"An experiment lab."
"Whoosh!"
As soon as Yilong's words fell, Captain America sprung up from the bed's edge and launched a lightning-fast punch towards Yilong's face.
Clearly, the word "lab" triggered him. Perhaps it brought back memories of Hydra's secret experimental bases, not a friendly place in his mind.
After all, as the sole successful case of the Super Soldier Program, he believed he was still of research value.
Yilong, already a man of few words, became even more silent after returning from China. His attitude towards speaking with Captain America was already quite accommodating, considering it was out of respect for the elderly and young, almost cordial.
But his amiable demeanor didn't mean he was defenseless.
When a martial artist reaches a certain level, every action is part of their practice, and they're always ready to respond correctly to emergencies.
This is the special vigilance referred to by the sayings "the rooster crows at dawn" and "the dog guards at night."
As soon as Captain America made a move, Yilong's muscles tensed in an instant. By the time Captain America's punch was upon him, Yilong had already positioned himself defensively, diverting the punch aside and counterattacking with a punch towards Captain America's chest.
"Boom!"
Yilong's punch was also blocked by Captain America.
After exchanging more than ten blows in a flash, neither had gained the upper hand.
Yilong, who had undergone serum enhancement and mastered the use of qi, could barely match Captain America's physical prowess. This showed the serum he used was somewhat inferior to the original one used on Captain America.
Finding an equal opponent excited Yilong. Since his enhancement, it was the first time he encountered someone who could match him in a fight!
Before, Clark might have been considered, but early on, Clark wasn't strong enough, and Yilong had to hold back to avoid injuring his "little brother." By the time Clark returned from the Quantum Realm, Yilong found himself no match for him.
Now facing a worthy opponent, Yilong momentarily forgot the fact that they were not enemies and engaged in a spirited battle with Captain America.
However, Captain America was not in the mood to fight.
Though surprised by this Eastern man's comparable strength, escaping was his priority.
With his memory still lingering on his last battle with the Red Skull 70 years ago, hearing "lab" made him suspect he was in a place akin to a Hydra base. Even he dared not linger.
After a brief exchange, Captain America took an opportunity to push Yilong back with a hook and then dashed towards the end of the corridor.
Yilong instinctively followed but stopped as he saw Clark, dressed casually, already waiting ahead.
Suspecting he was in danger, Captain America, without hesitation, launched a punch at Clark, aiming not to kill but to push him back and escape.
However, to his surprise, Clark didn't dodge or flinch but simply raised his right hand and effortlessly blocked the punch.
The punch stopped dead!
Clark, unfazed and still smiling politely, acted as if blocking the punch was a trivial matter, utterly unremarkable.
Shocked by Clark's strength, Captain America instinctively tried to fight back, only to find his fist firmly grasped by Clark, immovable.
Clark's display was beyond Captain America's understanding.
In his world, Captain America was the only and strongest "scientific monster." Even the Red Skull was inferior, a mere prototype.
Yet, this young man effortlessly caught his punch!
Who exactly was this kid?
Though his mind was in turmoil, Captain America's response was quick. He launched over a dozen attacks with his free left hand and legs, all effortlessly blocked by Clark.
Finally, Clark spoke, "Captain, there's no need to be alarmed. We mean you no harm."
Captain America remained silent, his glance at his trapped fist seemingly questioning Clark's "harmless" intentions.
Clark made a helpless gesture, then proposed, "I'll let go now, but don't shout or make any rash moves. Just listen calmly, OK?"
Captain America hesitated but eventually nodded.
Releasing Captain America's fist, Clark said, "You're in Manhattan, New York, U.S.A., the year 2009. Captain, you've been asleep for 70 years!"
At that moment, the big screen in the hallway displayed the bustling scene of Times Square.
Seeing this unprecedented sight, Captain America believed Clark's words. Such imagery was beyond his era's imagination, even childlike compared to Howard Stark's visions of the future.
Believing Clark's explanation, Captain America's face showed a complex mix of loss, guilt, frustration, and regret.
With a touch of resignation, he said, "I missed a date."
"That is indeed regrettable," Clark shrugged. "Would you like to see the world 70 years later with me, maybe even meet the son of an old friend?"
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Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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